Labeling-machine



H. G. DEWEY AND F. H. KNAP'P. LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATIGN FILED MAR. 28. L91]- v 1,398,421 Patented Nov. 29, 1921.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1,-.

mi M() @MJ-@M5 @1117 @JM/KW @bho/awww H. G. DEWEY AND F. H. KNAPP.

LABELING MACHINE.

APPucATloN msn MAR. 23. 1917.

1 ,398,42 l', Batented Nov. 29, 19221.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2| .1. lil

w` 'E mmm amm@ ...JW-MWQ/mw/M lue/m H. G. DEWEY AND F. H. KNAPP.

LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.2B. 19H.

1,398,42 1 Patented Nov. 29, 1921.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

H. G. DEWEY AND F. H. KNAPP.

LABELING MACHINE. y APPUcATloN FILED MAR. 28. 1911.

Patented Nov.v 29, 1921..

4 SHEETSSHEET 4.

STATES lPartnr ostias.

HAYWOOD GUION DEVVEEZ AND FREDERICK H. KNAPP, OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND,

ASSIGNORS TO FRED H. KNAPP COMPANY, WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND, A COR- PORATION OE MARYLAND.

nessuna-MACHINE.

renacer.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application led March 28, 1917. Serial No. 157,992.

To all wko/m it may concern.'

Be it known that we, HnYwooD G. vDEWEY and FREDERICK H. KNArr, citizens of the United States, residing at Westminster, in the county of Carroll and State of Maryland, have invented certain neviT and useful Improvements `in Labeling-Machines, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing. f

This invention relates to labeling machines, and more particularly to machines of this character adapted to apply and affix labels to the body or periphery of cans, cartons, or similar packages of the ycylindrical type.

The invention has more particular reference to novel and improved pasting mechanism for use in connection with labeling ma.- chines of the above character, the mechanism being adapted to more firmly secure the labels particularly at the opposite edges thereof to the package, thereby overcoming a quite common objection incident to the handling of the labeling packages, namely,

the breaking or tearing of the labels at ther edges, the mechanism also being of a character to'avoid the usual wrinkling of the labels at points intermediate the edges thereof.

Tn the art to which the invention relates, many attempts have heretofore been made to neatly secure the label and with sufficient firmness to maintain the same immovably in place on the package, a common practice being to apply paste to the entire body of the label or to the major portion of the body of the package to which the label is to be applied, ln either case a considerable waste of paste is involved, Then again, in view of the fact that the labels are soaked with the paste at the time of application to paste thereon, which when brought in contact with the labels on the packages will tend to smear or otherwise soil the same.

It has also been quite common in the art to apply paste only to what are known as the pick up77 and lap ends of the labels, which method while resulting in a considerable saving of paste, is opento the criticism that the major portion of the label being free from binding contact with the package, is quite apt to become torn, especially at the edges thereof, and, assuming that the paste at the pick up7 portion thereof is not thoroughly and accurately applied, the label will readily become loose and separated from the package.

Still further it has been proposed in the labeling of what is known as slip cover cans or cartons, to apply, in addition to the pick up and lap7 portions of the label a pasted surface of limited width entirely around the carton at the junction of the flange of the cover with the body, whereby when the label is applied the same will adhere to said pasted surface to form a practically airtight joint or seal at this point and also secure the cover to the body of the carton. This method of aiiixing the label to f the carton'while possessing certain advantages is open to the objection that the otherwise substantially continuous and smooth surface of the label is interrupted at the point opposite the junction of the cover of the carton and the body, the label being pressed into contact with the flange of the cover and the adjacent body portion of the carton and presenting a circumferential de-` pression or groove at this pointtending to detract more or less from the appearance of the outer surface of the label. Again, because 'of the pressure necessary to `bring the label into binding -contact with the pastedy portions of the cover and body portion of the carton at the junction of the cover and body, sometimes results ina collapse of the carton, assuming that the same is, as is oftentimes the case, formed of fragile material. Also, it is found that when the strip of paste is applied intermediate the edges of the label, or at the juncture of the flange of the cover of the carton with the body thereof, a circumferential series of wrinkles will oftentimes appear at this point because of the action of moisture and the subsequent Patented N ov. 29, 1921.

-tent all of the vabove and still further ob jections which have heretofore manifested themselves in the use of labeling means of prior construction as at present in use. In the` accomplishment of this object, it is proposed to firmly aliix the label to the can at oppositeedges of the label with the result. that these edges will not become separated or .tornin the handling of the labeled packages, while at the same time the label intermediate the edges thereof will be 'substantiallyl free from paste and therefore devoid of the customary wrinkles throughout the A body thereof.

In the. preferred embodiments of the invention herein illustrated, it is contemplated to.v impart rolling movement to the cylindrical; package to be labeled, and in the rolling movement thereof yto apply adjacent opposite ends thereof a narrow strip of paste extending entirely therearound, the package in the continued rolling movement thereof being adapted to pick up and have applied to the periphery thereof a label, the strips:

of paste being separated from one another a distance substantially equal to or slightly less than the width of the labels withrthe' .result that the labels will be pasted at the extreme edges thereof, and the body of the label intermediate said pasted portions is substantially free from adherence. It is further proposed by the invention to paste ,the label at points somewhat removed from thejunction` between the slip cover and` cartons, assuming it is desired to label slip' cover cartons, with the result that the pasted edges of the label will present a substantially continuous unbroken, unwrinkled and otherwise neat appearance.

In the practice of the invention, it is possible to firmlyV aliix the labels in place at the pa'sted edges thereof without undue pressure .on the carton which might tend to crush or damage the same, and at the same time it is possible to give to labeled cartons having slip covers the appearance of having a continuous unbroken periphery from end to .end thereof, though it is to be borne in mind in this connection that the invention is not limited in adaptation to any particular type of cylindrical package or carton but is equally useful for labeling packages either with or without slip covers.

A further feature of the invention resides in the provision of means for properly guiding the cartons', the said means preferably including Aa relatively fixed guide for one end thereof, and associated pasting mechanism for applying annular strips of paste to the cartons adjacent the ends thereof to be engaged by the edges of the label, the said pasting means comprising members movable in a directiony toward the fixed guide whereby the application of paste will be made at a fixed predetermined point upon the cartons with the result that said pasted areas will at all times register with the edges of the label.

@ther and further improvements and novel details in the. construction and arrangement of the various parts of the invention will be appreciated from the description to follow, which, for al clear understanding of the same is to be considered in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein are disclosed for the purpose of illustration convenient and satisfactory embodiments of the invention.

For the purpose of convenience in the description and claims the articley to be labeled will usually be referred to as a can or cans, it being understood in this connection however that this term is used in a broad sense, including within its scope various different types of cylindrical packages, cartons or thelike, in the labeling of which the machine may be found useful.

In the drawings Figure l isa front elevation of a labeling machine with one embodiment ofv our improvements applied thereto;

Fig. V2 is an enlarged side view of the pasting mechanism for the edges of the label, and associated parts, certain parts being shown in section and others broken away;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged front elevation of the same;

Figs. 4 and 5 are detail views of a modified form of pasting mechanism for the edges of the labels.

With more particular reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to correspondin parts throughout the several views, a suita le framework is provided generally indicated bythe reference numerall, the same beingv mounted Vupon standards or legs 2 having anti-friction bearings or rollers 3 whereby the machine may be transported from place to place. A can delivery chute 4 is providedV adjacent the inlet end' of the machine, the said chute beingadapted to discharge the cans onto a longitudinally extending runway of any convenient construction, from which runway the labeledcans are adapted to be discharged onto the delivery chute 5 at the rear end of the machine. The runway which preferably includes laterally spaced track sections 7 is bounded on opposite sides by suitable guides for opposite ends of the cans, one of said guides 8 being preferably xed in position against movementJ whereas the opposed guide 9 conveniently takes the for-m of a yieldably supported strip of yieldable sheet metal. Both guides conveniently extend substantially from end to end of the machine. Arranged intermediate the ends of the runway is a suitable label support or receptacle 10 of any approved type, the receptacle having a movable latform or follower as is obvious adapte to be periodically elevated whereby to properly position the uppermost label to be picked up by a can as it moves along the runway. Also associated with said label receptacle is suitable pasting mechanismfgenerally indicated by the reference character 11, for the purpose of applying to the lap end of the label a strip of paste preferably extending from edge to edge of thelabel. Arranged at the rear of the label receptacle is a suitable presser or ironing pad 12 upon and over which the labeled cans are adapted -to pass. Supported t0 one side of the framework 1 in any desired manner and in advance of the label receptacle or support 10 is a suitable paste receptacle 13, said receptacle convenientlv being detachably secured as by Y threaded hand bolts 14 to oppositely disposed supporting brackets 15 Y projecting transversely of the framework 1 and resting upon the upper surface ofthe side bars olf the latter. The brackets haveupward extensions 16 and 17 respectively arranged in substantial alinement with the runway track sections 7, the upper edge of the supporting brackets intermediate saidextensions 16 and 17 being cut away at 18, and the said track sections 7 having cut out parts for the reception of said extensions 16 and 17. Mounted in suitable bearings in the side walls of Vthe paste receptacle 13 for rotatable movement is a shaft 19 having mounted thereon a paste pick up roll 20 adapted to elevate paste from the receptacle and apply the same to a suitable paste carrying member conveniently taking the form of an endless belt 21 mountedy upon a suitable roller 22 which latter is mounted upon a shaft `23 having bearings in the arms of the support- 20.- The drive roll 22 is adapted to be driven in any suitable f manner but preferably through the mediumof means to be now described.V 26 is a horizontally disposed rotatable shaft mounted in suitable bearings 27, thesaid shaft having a gear wheel 28 adapt-k ed `to mesh with the gear wheel 24. Said shaft 26 also has connected therewith a bevel gear 29 adapted to mesh with a similar gear 30 `fixed upon a 'vertically' extending shaft 31. having adj acentthe upper end thereof a bevel gear 32 adapted to mesh with a similar gear/33 fixed-for rotatable movement with the shaft of one of the supporting rolls for the feed belts 34-`to be more particularly referred to hereinafter. It will be observed that as the belt roller is moved such movement is imparted to the vertical shaft 31 and from this shaft to the horizontal shaft 26 thereby rotating the gears 28, 24 and 25. In this way the paste pick up roll 20 and paste applying belt 21 will have simultaneous movement imparted thereto according to the movement of the cans along the runway under the action of the feed belt or belts 34. Vhen the movement of the feed belt is interrupted, the movement of the paste applying belt 21 will likewise be interrupted, and inthis connection the shaft 26 may be formed in sections arranged end to end and adapted to be coupled and uncoupled at will through the medium of a suitable clutch sleeve 26a mounted for sliding movement. In one position of the sleeve 26a -illustrated in Fig. 3 of the `drawing the sections of the shaft 26 will be coupled together for rotation whereas kwhen the sleeve is in the opposite position that section of the shaft having mounted thereon the gear wheel `28 will v remain stationary during the rotation of the other section of said shaft. Then again when the clutch sleeve is in the last named apply paste to the periphery yof the can adjacent the ends thereof, and to this end suitable roller supports 35 and 36 are provided upon the upper ends '16 and 17 respectively of the lsupporting brackets, the `upper stretch of the Vbelt being adapted to project over Vthe periphery of said rollers 35 and 36 whereby to position the pasted surface of the belt in Asubstantially horizontal alinement with the upper surface of the track sections of the runway, to the end that the paste belt at thesepoints will constitute in effect a continuation of said track sections. The paste applyin belt is preferably of a widthk to permit t e can X tomake a complete revolution while in contact with the paste applying belt whereby a continuous circumferential strip of paste will be applied to the can adjacent the ends thereof.l

Y Iny order to .spacethat portionxof. the paste and 38xrespectively,.the same being mounted` for' loose rotatable movement on the bracket' support at points spaced Yslightly inwardly and downwardlyl fromnthe roller bearings` and 36 respectively; The upper .stretch of thepaste applying beltfis adapted to pass beneath the .rollers 37 and .38 with the result that the paste applying belt will be spaced' from adherin contact 'with the body portion ofthe can. dditionalguide rollersV 39', 40 andrei' may be .provided .on the supporting bracketfor the paste applying'belt.

The rotation osf the paste applyingl member 21 is preferablyV inthe direction Vof the arrow illustrated .in Fig. 2 so that any tendency of the. belt in the application of thepaste` to movey the: cans endwise will be in a direction toward the fixed kguidexS with the result that the applicationl of the` strips Vof paste' will at all times be ata-uniform point.

.Asl previously referred' to', the means for imparting rolling movement to the ycans along; they runway preferablyl takes .the form of an endless belt or belts 34'. Conveniently as illustrated more particularly in Fig; 2 a plurality of such .belts are provided-'y the: sa-mey being mounted upon pulleys'42 yand 43# fixed upon suitable'supportingv shaftsrone of which shafts is adapted to be driven as by hand or suitable. power' means.

The operation of the construction thus far described may be' reviewedl as" follows: The cans to be labeled are introduced atthe inlet end oflthe machine from :the feed chute et and" when brought into engagementwith the runway 7 the feed lbelts 34 will impartrotatable movement to the cans along the run-V way. It willbeobserved in this connection that the belt 34 engage the periphery of ,the cans at points removed inwardly aconsidz- Yerable distance from 'the ends thereof so as continuous narrow' stripy of paste entirely around the can adjacentv each end thereof, the can intermediate said pasted area being free froml any applicationl of paste. It should be borne in mind in this connection that the contacting'portions of thel paste vapplying member are separated from one another a distance substantially equal to theV width of the labels to be applied tothe cans with the result that in the continued rotation of the cans the pastedv portions thereof will engage. the label at the extreme edges thereof. The label being pickedup by the l nanowar can., thezsamey will wrap thereabout, andthe lan end of the llabelf` having received a strip ofjpaste through themedium of the lap end pasting mechanism l1, this end ofthe label willadhere .tov the canand the adjacent opposite .endof the'rlabel. 4

Assuming it is desired to apply the labels to slip'cover-` cans, as illustrated in the drawn ings,-it will benoted.v that the circumferential` stripfof paste will be applied to the can at points adjacent the edges thereof and at points spaced; aV considerable distance Voutwardly' `from the point of junction of the flange 'of thexcovers with the body portion ofthe cans with the result thaty the applied label willy n'otbe'` broken or wrinkled at said juncture; The continued movement of the cans will bring-the same inv `Contact with the ironing or pressing'pad l2 and under slight pressure ofthe feed belts 34 the edges of the label'will be firmly affixed-to the can, any surplus-paste finding an escape beyond the edges. of `the `label with the result that the edges-ofthe label lwill have a close snug lit on: the `can and be practically free from wrinkles; The labeled cans thereupon are deliveredftoithe discharge runway l5, and from the latter tor any desirable place of deosit. c .v

In thefillustrated embodiment of the invention juSt. described the means for pasting the opposite edgesl of the labels Vmay also constitutethe usual pick up pasting means for the labels.:

In 'Figs `if and 5 we have illustrated a slightly modified form of paste applying mechanism for securing the edges of the label to. the cans. In this embodimentof the ,invention is-a paste pot arranged beneath the runway-andsupported at opposite sides as by brackets-5:1- upon the frameworkvl of the machine. Mounted for rotatablev movement adjacent opposite vends of the receptacle are tra nsverselyl extending paste rolls 52 and 53 respectively, said rolls projecting longitudinally of they runway and one roll preferably arranged in .vertical alinement with each ofthe runway track sections 7. Arrangedf'tof engage the paste'rolls 52 and 53 are transfer paste' rollers 54 and 55- respectivelymountedin suitable brackets 56 pro? j ecting` upwardlyfrom the paste pot 50. The rolls 51.1.- project upwardly into a cut out section of the runway 7 whereby to constitute in= effect continuations of the runway and whereby. tot engage the periphery of the can adjacent :the opposite ends thereofso as to apply a narrow strip of paste entirely around the cans, at substantially the same points, and in substantially thesame way as in the other illustrated; embodiment of the invention previously described. Fixed Vupon the supporting shafts for the paste wheels 52 and 53 for imparting movement thereto are sprocket wheels 52a and 53a adapted to receive a drive chain 57 which latter in turn is adapted t0 be driven in any suitable man-- ner and from any suitable source by a sprocket 58 mounted upon a drive shaft 59. Also xed for rotatable movement with the supporting shaftsV for the paste rolls 52 and 53 are gear wheels 60 and 61 respectively adapted to intermesh with gear wheels 62 and 63-ixed for movement with the trans fer paste rolls 54 and 55 respectively. It will be observed that the transfer paste wheels are thereby positively driven, and the direction of rotation being indicated by the arrow, any endwise movement of the cans during the pasting operation will be toward the Stationary or fixed guide `8. In this way the narrow strip of paste will be applied at a predetermined point about the periphery of the can so as to accurately register with the edges of the label to be subsequently applied thereto in the manner previously described. As in the previously described construction, it will be observed that the paste applying mechanism is of design and construction whereby to leave substantially free from paste that portion of the can and label intermediate the edges of the latter.

What we claim is:

l. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cylindrical articles such as cans, means positioned above the runway for rotating the cans along the same, means for applying to the can adjacent opposite edges thereof only, a circumferential strip of paste, a label support, and guiding means for positioning the pasted strips on the can in contact with the edges only of a label onv said support, whereby in the continued movement of the can along the runway the label will be pasted at its eXtreme edges to the periphery of the can, and whereby that portion of the can intermediate the pasted edges will be substantially free from paste.

2. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for slip cap cans or the like to be labeled, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway, means for applying the label to the can, and associated means for pasting the labels to the can for a limited distance extending from the outer edges of the label inwardly and entirely around the can, the pasted area of the labels terminating at a point short of the point of juncture between the can cap and body.

3. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cylindrical receptacles such as cans, said runway comprising opposed bars adapted to engage the'cans adjacent opposite ends thereof, means for rotating the cans along the runway, lap end paste applying means,y and asting means .arranged intermediate the en s of the runway at cutout parts thereof adapted to en gage the cans to apply adjacent the outer edges only thereof a strip of paste extending entirely around the circumference of the can, and guiding means for the can whereby the pasted strips thereof will aline with the extreme edges of the label, and a label support arrcnged in the path ofthe cans at a point beyond said pasting means.

4. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans having slip covers, a label support intermediate the ends of the runway, lap end paste applying means, and means for applying a limited circumferential strip of paste between the label `and can at the extreme edges of the label,

the body portion of the label between said strips and at the joint between the cover and body of the cans being substantially free from paste.

' 5. In a can labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like, means for feeding the cans by a rolling action along the runway, a label support intermediate the ends of the runway, and paste applying means arranged in advance of the label support and movable in a direction transversely of the longitudinal axis of the runway of the machine and adapted to simultaneously apply to adjacent kopposite ends of the can only a narrow circumferential strip of paste in alinement with opposite edges of the label to be picked up by the can in the rolling movement thereof, whereby the opposite edges of the label will be firmly aliixed to the can to prevent separation and tearing at these points.

6. In a labeling machine, thecombination of a runway having at one side a fixed guide for the end of cans or the like mounted on the runway for movement, a label support intermediate the ends of the runway, means for moving the cans along the runway and in contact with the topmost labels on the support whereby the latter are wrapped around the cans, and mechanism arranged forwardly of the label support and movable in a direction toward said fixed guide for simultaneously applying rnarrow strips of paste entirely around the can adjacent opposite ends thereof and in registration with the edges of the label.

7. In a labeling machine, arunway for cans or the like, a support for the labels intermediate the ends of' the runway, pasting means having separate can engaging portions to simultaneously engage the cans adjacent opposite ends thereof whereby to apply `paste entirely aroundy the same,'the can engaging portions of the pasting means being spaced from one another a distance slightly less than the width of the label, whereby in the rolling movement of the cans thelabel will be applied and aixed to the of a runway for cans to be labeled, a label support in the path of the movement ofthe cans, rotatable pasting means having common driving means whereby to simultaneously engage the can adjacent opposite ends thereof to apply narrow strips of paste thereto entirely therearound, the can engaging portions of said pastingmeans being separated from one another a distance slightly. less than the width of the labels mounted on said support whereby said label when Ywrappedabout the can -will adhere at itszedges to' the latter. Y Y

. 9. In a labeling machine the combination of a runway-for cans to be labeled, a label `support in the path of the movement of the can, -rotatable pasting means to engage the' can adjacent opposite ends thereofto apply narrow strips of paste thereto -entirely therearound, the can engaging portions oif said pasting means being separated from Vone another adistance slightly less than-the width of the labels mounted on-said supportwhereby said label when wrapped .about the can will adhere at its' edges to the latter, guide ways for the runway, one of Y which is yieldable and the other fixed, and

the movement of the paste applying means .being ,in a direction having a tendency'Yto moverthe cans into contact with saidV lined ,c g'uideY Y 'Y` Y Y -Y Y.-1O.;'In a can labeling machine the-combination-of means ,for applying a narrow strip-of paste entirely around a slip cover can adjacent one -end thereof, and means for applyingal'abel ,around the can and securing 'it atone extreme edge' to said pasted surface ofthe can,\the. pasted area of said Vedge of-ftheflabel. terminating at a -p'oint short of theV juncture between the slip cover and body ofthe can. Y Y.

:-1Y1.- In a flabeling machine for slip cover cartons and the-like', the kcombination Yof a Yrunway, means for feedliig'Ythe cartons along the runway, a label support, and means in "advance -ofI the label support adapted to apply adjacent Opposite ends of the' can a circumferential strip .of paste whereby in a `label receptacle, YaY runway for the cans .in advance lof. the label receptacle, 'and meal-'ns for` ,simultaneously applying a narrew-.stripof paste to thefilanged portions -of vsaid; cover-s; orf caps; adjacent; the-Y'extreme of the cartons, and meanswherebythe ends body portion ofthe carton and the edges of the ilanges of the covers Yor caps are maintained free of paste under the action of said pasting means.

13. fn a can labeling machine the combination of an elongated runway for cans and the like, a label receptacle intermediate the ends of the runway adapted to containV a supply of labels to be picked up by the rolling cans,` a pasting member extending transversely across the runway, and means for guiding said member whereby the ,pasted portions thereof only are engaged by the movingcans toapply narrow strips of paste adjacent opposite ends of the cans.

14. In alcan labeling machine ,the com* bination of a runway for cans, a label support intermediate the ends of the runway,

and can pasting means including an endless paste vcarrier extending transversely of the runway, and guiding vmeans forthe paste carrier whereby to position pasted portions thereof to beengag'ed bythe Imoving can and whereby 'to separate the remaining portions of the carrier from said can. Y

15. In a can labeling machine 'the .combination of a runway for (cans and the like, of a label receptacle intermediate-the ends of the runway, and means to apply tothe can adjacent the opposite ends thereof a. cir- .cum-ferential strip o-fpaste whereby in the 4rolling.movement of theean the pastedsurfaces of samef will engage edges of the label tormlyv aiiix lthe same, the said means coinprising an endless .carrier projecting transverselyfaoross therunway, supports for the carrier, to position spaced portions thereofV to contact'fwith the can, and .to space that portion of the carrier intermediate the supports out of contact with the body of the cana :116. -labeling machine, the combina-V `tionf ofan elongated runway for cans and the like, ya label support Aintermediate the ends'of the runway, lpaste applying means .adjacent the runway and extending lengthwiseof. the runway a suieient distanceto permit a can to make a complete revolution Vwhilein contact with saidmeans, and said paste applyingmean's being constructed and arranged fwhereby to forma circumferential bandof paste arou-nd'thecaii adjacent both ends-thereof, kand means above the runway to engageuthecai'is'at1a point between said `*pasted bands wherebyto Y rotate theV cans 'fin contact1 with .the labels, and whereby the pasted-bands of the can'will engage vthe labels Yat the eXtreme vedges thereofto preventseparation Yor :tearing of saidY edges, and :means whereby the can at points between said pasted bands will bespaced from 4'contact withisaidpastingmeans.V Y l .Y .17.- Ignra labeling machine, lthe combination .-nff'ajrunway fr cans -or"thelike, a label support intermediate the ends of the runway, and means in advance of the label support in the path of the can for applying a circumferential narrow strip of paste to the can, whereby the can in its movement along the runway will Contact with the topmost label or label support and cause the label to adhere to the pasted area of the can, said means comprising an endless paste belt extending transversely across the runway and rotatable in a direction transverse to the rolling movement of the can along the runway, and a plurality of supports for the belt, one of which supports contacts the belt with the can, and another of which spaces the major portion of the belt out of contact with the can.

18. In a labeling machine, the combination of a runway for cans or the like a label support intermediate the ends of t e runway, and pasting mechanism for applying adjacent opposite ends of the can a circum* ferential narrow strip of paste, said pasting mechanism including an endless paste belt extending transversely across the runway, rollers over which the belt passes whereby to engage the can as it moves along the runway, and means interposed between said rollers and under which the belt passes whereby to space the body portion thereof from the body portion of the can.

In testimony whereof we hereunto aflix our signatures in the presence of two witnesses.

I-IAYWOOD GUION DEWEY. FREDERICK H. KNAPP.

IVitnessesd;

JULIAN F. WILLIAMS, W. R. MYERS, jr. 

